Best photo spots in Mumbai

The Gateway of India arch on the seafront and, across the road, the red dome of The Taj Mahal Palace, built in 1903, two decades before the Gateway. Non-guests can photograph the facade from Apollo Bunder.

The three-kilometre arc of Marine Drive is lined with Art Deco buildings, the world's second-largest ensemble after Miami. For the famous night shot, go up to the Hanging Gardens and Kamala Nehru Park on Malabar Hill at dusk: the park's edge looks down the whole curve as the lights come on.

CST is UNESCO-listed Victorian Gothic and one of the world's busiest stations: a dome crowned by a statue of Progress, gargoyles and stained glass. Come between the rush hours, roughly 10:30 to 17:00.

From about 4:00 the wholesale market spreads around and under the Dadar flyover, and between 5:00 and 7:00 it peaks: porters with garland bundles a metre across, marigold, rose, jasmine and lotus, the light still grey. By mid-morning it thins out.

The city's oldest wet dock, opened in 1875. The Koli boats come in before dawn and the fish auction starts around five; by seven it is over. Since the St+art project of 2017 the warehouse walls carry huge murals. Floors are wet and cameras should stay low and discreet around people working; see the Sassoon Docks page.

The open-air laundry, working since the late 19th century, with more than a thousand washing vats. The viewing point on the bridge by Mahalaxmi station gives the best overview, ideally about 7:00 to 10:00, when washing is in full swing. More on the Dhobi Ghat page.

A stone tank of 1127 ringed by ghat steps, lamp pillars and small temples behind the towers of Malabar Hill. Come early, when the water is still and the tank is used rather than looked at. It is a living place of worship, so dress modestly; see Banganga Tank.

A 19th-century East Indian hamlet in Girgaon: pastel bungalows in the Portuguese manner, teak verandahs, lanes wide enough for one scooter. About 28 of the original 65 houses survive. Doors open straight onto the lane, so walk quietly and ask before photographing a house. Khotachiwadi.

Kala Ghoda's blue synagogue of 1884, its facade returned to white and indigo, with stained glass and slender cast-iron columns inside. Visitors are generally welcome outside service times; carry ID and arrange ahead if you can. Keneseth Eliyahoo.

A raised wooden walkway at canopy height through the last forest on Malabar Hill, with a glass-floored section looking down into the leaves and out towards the Arabian Sea and Girgaon Chowpatty. Entry is by an inexpensive timed slot booked online; mornings are quiet.